Counterfeiting is malicious activity. It corrupts our financial systems, technology-driven sectors, and even the spine of modern human productivity: the electronics industry. Counterfeit electronic components remain a significant threat to the electronics industry and cost manufacturers billions yearly.
According to a research article by NC State University, counterfeiting has turned into a full-fledged industry. The research states that the counterfeiting industry has grown from a net worth of $30 billion in the 1980s to more than $600 billion today. The recent trend suggests that the industry will soon be worth over $1.8 trillion in the coming years.
Now you understand how hard you can get hit by counterfeit electronic components. So, here we discuss the three major ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ to avoid them.
Three Reasons to Avoid Counterfeit Electronic Components
1. Safety Threats to the Workplace and Employees
Counterfeit electronic components don’t meet the required electrical safety parameters or minimal specifications. Thus, they pose serious safety threats to the workplace and employees. They also cause malfunctions and failures in your production line. Some dangers include short circuits, electrical shock, fire, and explosions. All these may cost the lives of your employees, property damage, and equipment failure.
2. Poor Performance
Counterfeit electronic components hamper your final product’s performance and your workers’ productivity. As a result, the product may partially fail or may not perform optimally. More than anything else, if a counterfeit electronic component ends up in a consumer product, your customer may not be satisfied with its performance. This can ruin your company’s reputation forever.
3. Increased Production Costs and Revenue Loss
Poor performance leads to lower productivity, thus, leading to revenue loss and increased production costs. In addition, a single counterfeit electronic component can cause severe damage to an electronic product, making the repair complicated yet costlier.
3 Ways to Avoid Counterfeit Electronic Components
1. Buy from Traceable, Genuine Suppliers
No matter how hard you try to avoid counterfeit electronic components, they may somehow make their way into the supply chain. One of the best ways to prevent them is to buy from a trustworthy supplier who guarantees the best standards and lets you trace the source of the components.
2. Check Relevant Certifications
To avoid counterfeit components, you should check a supplier’s certifications, compliance standards, and quality assurance documents. Examples include ISO 9001:2008, ISO 9001:2009, Underwriter Laboratories (UL) certification, and Compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations.
3. Ensure Professional Inspection
You must have a professional quality control team to check all orders and ensure that the components are genuine. Experienced quality inspectors carefully select, evaluate, and approve each supplier. They also continually monitor each supplier to ensure that they maintain higher standards.
Contact the Experts at Solid State Inc.
Solid State Inc. is proud to distribute only the highest quality original electronic components in the market. We provide service to a multitude of market sectors, so whatever part you are looking for, we’re sure to have it in our inventory. Contact us today for more information!